Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit Review

Let’s Dive into Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit

The Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit promises precision and accuracy when drilling, especially in situations where a standard drill press is unavailable. Manufactured by Steelex Plus, this kit aims to provide a portable and reliable solution for creating perfectly perpendicular holes on various surfaces. Its compact design and included bushings for different drill bit sizes make it an intriguing tool for woodworking enthusiasts and DIYers alike.

I was constantly struggling to drill straight holes when assembling furniture in my garage. Eyeballing it never seemed to work, resulting in wobbly joints and misaligned screws. I needed a simple, reliable guide that wouldn’t break the bank.

Upon unboxing the Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. It feels solid, though lightweight, and the bushings seem accurately machined. The silver finish gives it a clean, professional look.

I considered other drill guides, including a self-centering doweling jig and a more expensive, adjustable drill guide. Ultimately, I chose the Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit because of its straightforward design, its ability to handle round stock, and its budget-friendly price point. I needed something that would get the job done without unnecessary bells and whistles.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to finally have a tool that could help me drill straight holes, but I was also skeptical about its long-term durability and ease of use. Only time and testing would tell if the Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit could live up to its promises.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit while building a small bookshelf in my workshop. I used it to drill dowel holes in the edges of the shelves and the sides of the bookcase. The wood was a combination of pine and oak.

The kit performed surprisingly well on the pine. The drill bit guided smoothly through the bushings, creating clean, straight holes. However, the oak required a bit more pressure, and I noticed a slight tendency for the guide to slip on the harder surface.

The Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit was fairly easy to use, although it took a few practice runs to get the hang of aligning it properly. The locating pin helped immensely in ensuring consistent hole placement. I had no immediate issues, but I was mindful of keeping the guide perpendicular to the workpiece.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use on various woodworking projects, the Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit has held up reasonably well. There are some minor scratches on the surface, but the bushings remain in good condition.

The aluminum guide body has proven to be durable enough for light-to-medium duty tasks. However, I suspect that heavy, frequent use could eventually lead to wear and tear. I found that cleaning the bushings after each use helped to prevent buildup and maintain accuracy.

Compared to my previous attempts at drilling straight holes freehand, the Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit is a significant improvement. It doesn’t match the precision of a drill press, but it provides a cost-effective and portable alternative for most woodworking tasks. I found it particularly useful for edge joining and drilling into round stock.

Breaking Down the Features of Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit

Specifications

The Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit includes a silver-colored drill guide made from aluminum. It comes with six drill bushings in the following sizes: 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, and 1/2″. A locating pin is also included for precise hole placement.

• The aluminum construction keeps the guide lightweight and easy to handle.
• The variety of bushing sizes allows for compatibility with a wide range of drill bits.
• The locating pin is crucial for accurately spacing holes, especially when drilling multiple dowel holes for edge joining.

Performance & Functionality

The Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit performs its primary function – guiding drill bits perpendicularly – adequately. Its accuracy depends on the user’s attention to detail and proper alignment. The bushings help to minimize drill bit wandering and create cleaner holes.

The strengths of the kit lie in its simplicity and portability. It’s easy to set up and use in various locations. The weakness is that it requires a firm hand and careful alignment to ensure accurate drilling, especially on harder materials.

Overall, the Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit meets my expectations for a budget-friendly drill guide. It provides a noticeable improvement over freehand drilling, but it’s not a substitute for a high-end drill press or a more sophisticated drill guide system.

Design & Ergonomics

The Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit has a simple, functional design. The aluminum body is lightweight and easy to grip. The kit feels comfortable in the hand, though prolonged use can cause some fatigue.

The design is user-friendly, with no complex adjustments or settings required. There is a slight learning curve in mastering the alignment technique, but most users should be able to achieve satisfactory results with a few practice runs.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit seems adequate for light-to-medium duty use. The aluminum body is prone to scratches, but the bushings appear to be made from a harder material that resists wear. Proper maintenance involves cleaning the bushings after each use to prevent buildup and applying a light lubricant to the guide body.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit comes with the six drill bushings and a locating pin. There are no additional accessories included. Customization options are limited, as the kit is designed for a specific purpose and doesn’t lend itself to extensive modification.

The included bushings should be compatible with any standard drill bits of the corresponding sizes. It’s always recommended to use high-quality drill bits for optimal performance and to avoid damaging the bushings.

Pros and Cons of Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit?

The Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit is perfect for woodworking hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who occasionally needs to drill straight holes without the expense of a drill press. It’s also a good option for those who need a portable drill guide for on-site repairs or installations. It is especially well-suited for dowel jointing.

This product may not be suitable for professional woodworkers or those who require extreme precision. Those working primarily with hardwoods may also find the guide less effective than alternatives.

A must-have accessory would be a set of high-quality drill bits that match the bushing sizes. A small clamp to hold the guide securely in place could also be beneficial, particularly when working on slippery surfaces.

Conclusion on Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit

The Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit is a functional and affordable tool that offers a significant improvement over drilling freehand. While it’s not a perfect solution, its portability, ease of use, and included bushing sizes make it a valuable addition to any hobbyist’s workshop. The Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit offers users the ability to drill precise perpendicular holes on flat, round, spherical and corner edges.

At a price of $16.39, the value proposition is excellent. The Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit is a cost-effective way to improve the accuracy and consistency of your drilling projects.

I would personally recommend the Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit to anyone looking for a budget-friendly and portable drill guide. It’s a simple yet effective tool that can help you achieve better results on a variety of woodworking projects. So, ditch the guesswork and start drilling straighter holes today with the Steelex Plus Drill Guide, Kit!